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November 27, 2024

Embattled technical education system gets new interim executive director

Contributed Dr. Alice M. Pritchard

Gov. Ned Lamont has appointed a new interim director for the state’s Technical Education and Career System. The appointment comes as the system faces an investigation over allegations of discrimination.

Alice M. Pritchard will become interim executive director of CTECS, which includes the state’s 17 technical high schools, two airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance programs, and technical education center.

Earlier this month, the state Department of Education launched an investigation over the practice of barring students from admission based on their previous disciplinary record.

The probe centers on whether CTECS was using this mechanism to exclude students with disabilities or other high needs from admission.

In October, unions representing employees in the system called for the removal of then-executive director Ellen Solek, who had led the system since June 2023. She announced her retirement shortly after a vote of no confidence.

The system has also been the subject of federal probes by the U.S. Department of Education dating back several years over alleged discrimination on the basis of disability.

“... Pritchard’s experience in higher education and workforce development will help accelerate our vision of having a technical education and career system that functions collaboratively with the needs of the business community, so that when students graduate, their careers can thrive from the start,” Lamont said in a statement announcing the change of leadership.

Pritchard is currently the director of workforce development for the state Department of Administrative Services. Prior to that, she worked for Connecticut State Colleges and Universities as chief of staff and chief strategy officer.

“I am honored to serve in this important position and look forward to bringing my government, higher education, workforce, and nonprofit experience to the table,” Dr. Pritchard said. “I am excited to work with the Lamont administration, legislators, the CTECS Advisory Board, school and central office employees, partner agencies, colleges and universities, labor unions, business leaders, and students to help the system reach its full potential.”

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